LADIES’ ROUND-UP Ferns and North End to meet in cup final
SOCCER
Ferns United 8, St. Joseph’s 0: Division 2A side St. Joseph’s were always facing a heavy task once drawn against the Premier favourites Ferns United, but despite the eventual heavy defeat, they acquitted themselves well against the league’s top team.
Four goals in each half saw Ferns eventually progress to the final on an 8-0 scoreline, and although St. Joseph’s worked hard for the 90 minutes, they could not contain the firepower of the Premier side.
Hat-tricks from Leona Breen and Aoife Devereux as well as goals from Rachel Collier and Hayley Nolan saw Ferns through to yet another cup final.
North End United 1, East End United 0: Division 1 champions North End are through to the Wexford Cup final for the first time ever after they overcame East End United in a smash and grab that saw them hold on to win 1-0.
Natasha Walsh scored after two minutes to give the Wexford town side the lead, and although East End threw the kitchen sink at them, they found the North End defence almost impenetrable, clearing their lines to hold on for a famous victory.
When East End struck the post in the 90th minute, it was obviously not going to be their day, and North End continued their good season to book a cup final with Ferns United at the end of April.
All Blacks 0, Bree United 2: Bree moved into a four-way tie for second place in Division 1 after they travelled to All Blacks and came away 2-0 winners. With one game remaining, it is now between them and Kilmore for runners-up spot and promotion to the Premier Division.
Amy Long and Petrina Tyrell scored the goals that gave them a very important three points.
Cloughbawn AFC 5, St. Leonards 1: Divisional champions Cloughbawn completed their season on a high note when they overcame St. Leonards 5-1 and topped off the day by being presented with their league trophy after the match by League Vice-Chairman Barry Dempsey.
New Ross Town 1, Moyne Rangers 1: These two sides have not enjoyed great seasons but played out a 1-1 draw to pick up a point in this match where both fielded very young sides. Sandra Murphy was on target for Town while Ciara Byrne scored for Moyne Rangers.
Rosslare Rangers 0, Bunclody AFC 7: Bunclody returned to the top of the table after they travelled to Rosslare Rangers and came away comfortable 7-0 winners. Britney Conroy has had an unbelievable season in front of goal and scored five of her side’s total, while Alma Morris and Sinéad Nolan were also on target for the visitors.
Fastnet Rovers 2, Stoney LFC 3: These two sides played out a thrilling cup semi-final before Stoney eventually booked their place in the final, coming from 2-0 down.
A heavy breeze had a major impact on this game and Rovers led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Joanne Jordan and Ashling Lacey, but a spirited second-half performance from Stoney saw them take control and edge their way into the final.
Two free-kicks from Fleur Moran, one with the aid of a deflection, found the net, wwwith Ciara Mythen scoring in between those goals for Stoney to run out 3-2 winners.